Both Republicans and Democrats on the panel called themselves dumbfounded by the news.

“Still month after month the American taxpayers are going to pay” Beale, said Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah). He said he wants to see EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy come before the committee to answer for why she didn’t immediately fire Beale after becoming aware that he was receiving unearned bonuses and had stayed on the payroll even after holding a retirement party.

“What does it take to actually get fired in this federal government?” Chaffetz railed. . . .